This public service announcement was commissioned by the Florida Department of Health to encourage proper dental hygiene between mothers and their babies.

ATTACK OF THE S. MUTANS PSA (short version)

Moms Take Care Of Your Baby's Mouth Right From The Start. Dental health is extremely important especially for mothers with babies. Tooth decay is an infection. Sharing food, spoons and pacifiers with your baby can transfer bacteria (germs) that cause tooth decay. Germs and sugary food left in a baby's mouth can eat holes in the teeth called cavities.

* Sugar is in many food and beverages including soda, juice, sweet tea, baby food, formula and breast milk. You pass germs on to your baby when you share food, forks, spoons, straws or toothbrushes. Licking a pacifier covers it with germs, also!

* Clean your baby's gums and any teeth after feeding and at bedtime. Use a clean, damp washcloth or child's soft toothbrush. This will wipe away food and even germs. Do this even if you can't see the teeth yet.

* Avoid passing germs to your baby's mouth. Don't put food, forks, spoons, straws, toothbrushes or pacifiers in your mouth before giving it to your baby. Ask grandparents or daycare providers not to share germs, too.

* Visit the dentist to get your teeth cleaned and any tooth decay treated. This will cut down on the germs in your mouth, leaving fewer germs to pass on to your baby.

* Healthy teeth for a healthy body.

Take Care Of Your Baby's Mouth Right From The Start


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